Pages

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Long Tan Cross at the Australian War Memorial

Something special happened at the Australian War Memorialtoday. For the first time in Australia, the original Long Tan cross arrived to go onto display to the Australian public.

This iconic cross holds massive significance for Vietnam veterans, as it tells the story of the battle fought by the 6th battalion 6RAR/NZ (ANZAC) on 18 August 1966 in the Long Tan rubber plantation in Phuoc Tay Province (now Ba Rai-Vung Tau), in what was then South Vietnam.

Vietnam Veterans Day is commemorated on 18 August every year. The day was originally known as Long Tan Day, chosen to commemorate the Australian and New Zealand men who fought in the battle of Long Tan.

The battle of Long Tan has come to symbolise our nation’s ten-year long involvement in the Vietnam War and the cross is the symbol of the sacrifice of those that fell at Long Tan and their families.

Three years after the battle, on 18 August 1969, soldiers of 6RAR/NZ erected the cross in the Long Tan plantation to remember the fallen. In 1975, the Long Tan cross went into the collection of the Dong Nai Museum and they have now loaned the piece to the Australian War Memorial.

The Cross will be on display from 17 August 2012 until April 2013.

“During Australia’s ten-year-long involvement in the Vietnam War, few battles were as intense or dramatic as Long Tan,” said Dr Peter Pedersen, Acting Assistant Director National Collection, Australian War Memorial. “The bravery, tenacity and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand soldiers at Long Tan have become legendary.”

The public is invited to come to the Memorial and be part of a special ceremony at 4.45pm on Friday 17 August to commemorate the 108 ANZACs who fought in the battle of Long Tan and to remember those who died on both sides. All Australians who served during the Vietnam War will be recognised at a commemorative closing ceremony on Saturday 18 August.

Click to download our Issue 8 for free

Inside our magazine

Inside History is for people passionate about Australian and New Zealand history and heritage, whether it’s their family’s ancestry, or in a broader social context. Published bi-monthly and beautifully designed, Inside History provides insightful and practical features to its readers..

Issue 23 is now available online! We're selling subscriptions and we also have back copies of issues 2 - 22 left in stock excluding Issues 1, 3, 12, 13, 21 which have sold out in our paper edition.

Issue 23 is available in newsagents nationally in your state or territory! Click here to find out where.